Are you keen to get into surfing but don’t know where to start? Don’t sweat it – we’ve got all the information you’ll need to begin your surfing journey. Everyone knows that surfers are cool people, but there is a reason why it’s not as popular as hitting a pilates session at your local gym.
Surfing is a sport, a craft that demands to be studied to be done well. You need to know the rules of the water – and that can be scary! Experienced surfers didn’t just fall into this art form; they have worked hard to develop being at one with the sea. Don’t let this intimidate you, though. Even the most experienced surfers made many errors and have taken endless wipeouts to get to where they are now. And guess what? They still make mistakes all the time! Like any new venture, the biggest hurdle is overcoming the fear of failure. And the trick for surfing is to make that failure all part of the fun! Using some of these tips and tricks we have put together, you’ll be surfing in no time.
Start with a professional.
If you’ve never been surfing before, resist the urge to pull up at a beach and try to have a go at surfing yourself. Until you know what’s safe, where’s safe, and how to be safe, you will be putting yourself and your fellow water users in danger – don’t be fooled; it’s really not as easy as it looks.
However, it’s absolutely fine and expected for a beginner surfer not to know anything. So if this is you, it is essential that you seek out a professional instructor first. They will give you lessons and help you learn the basics of surfing far faster than anything else. You could even enlist in a surf camp – you can find camps for all ages, and these are a great way to make new surfing friends too! Your instructors will teach you water safety and etiquette, as well as the actual surf techniques.
Once more, if you’ve never surfed before, it’s very likely that you will get sore due to the unfamiliar use of muscles. You will feel it EVERYWHERE, especially your legs, core, shoulders and back. Again, your instructor will help you to find the right form, teach stretches, and reduce the risk of an injury occurring unsupervised.
There is no rule for how many lessons you’ll need. One person might get up in their first session, whereas another might take 20 sessions. But how long it takes you to get up is no reflection on how good a surfer you could eventually become. Persist with your surfing lessons, and you’ll be up and feeling that surf buzz in no time!
Get familiar with surfing on-land.
It is tempting to just dive into the water and ride the waves when you’re enjoying the learning process, but there is no rush. A good rule of thumb is to spend some time getting familiar with your surfboard on land. Get in the habit of checking your leash, your surfboard and doing your stretches to activate your muscles. A great way to learn is by watching other surfers, seeing what they do and what makes them glide across the water with ease.
Perfect the prone position.
Comprising of lying on your stomach as though you’re paddling, the “prone position” is what’s going to lead you to the waves you desire. Mastering this position is crucial, so it’s best to practice on land. Make sure that you are balanced and centred when lying on your surfboard.
Practice your pop-up.
Occurring after the prone position, the pop-up motion is essential to get you on top of the surfboard in a seamless manner. You will know you have mastered it when you can transition from the prone position into the pop-up position in one fluid movement. Again, it is a good rule of thumb to practise on land before entering the water.
Don’t be disheartened by the ‘wipeouts.’
Wipeouts come with the territory, and ultimately you will need to develop a thick skin and try your best not to be disheartened. Falling off your surfboard is inevitable, but the more times you fall, the more you’ll get right back up and try again, which will make you stronger and more determined. It’s all part and parcel of becoming a better surfer.
Start small.
It’s very important to build up your abilities over time when it comes to waves. Start with the smaller waves, get them nailed and then work your way up to the bigger ones. It may also be worth touching base with your teacher – they will know whether or not you are ready for the next level. It’s not a competition to see who can overcome the most tumultuous wave; your safety comes first.
Always remain perpendicular to the whitewater.
For those unfamiliar with the term – the whitewater is the part of a breaking wave. When approaching the whitewater, you have two options: duck under the impending wave or race above it via paddling. When you know the wave has broken, it is so important that you stay perpendicular to it. If you fail to do this, you and your surfboard will be submerged underwater as you are dragged to the shore.
Enjoy the ride!
For all its daunting parts, surfing is incredibly fun and freeing. Embarking upon any new hobby will have its trials and tribulations, but once you have mastered it – you will thrive. With the right instructor/school, combined with tenacity and the desire to learn, surfing can become one of the great loves of your life.
At Watersports.Guru Worldwide, we have the largest directory of watersport businesses for you to discover. From tours to lessons to surfboard hire, we’ve got you covered no matter where you take up residence in the world. Here you can find all you need to start your surfing journey.
